Memphis area's Division 2 teams dominate play

Bartlett rallies for spot in semis in Division 1

SMYRNA, Tenn. — The Smyrna Bowling Center was once again a home away from home for Shelby/Metro's Division 2 teams on Friday.

All three boys Division 2 squads — defending champ St. Benedict, Christian Brothers, and Memphis University School — advanced to Saturday morning's semis, which all start at 9 a.m.

So did the SBA and St. Agnes girls.

In Division 1, Bartlett stunned Baxter Upperman, whose Wes Conaster rolled a perfect 300 in Game 1. Trailing 9-7 headed into Game 3, the Panthers needed to win five of six matches and did just that, taking the match 14-13.

"We knew what we had to do," said Brandon Gurley, who bowled a 245 in Game 3. "We're not out of this yet."

The 22-8 Panthers face Walker Valley (16-4) next.

Collierville's boys, in their first-ever state tourney, fell 15-12 to Lebanon, bringing the outstanding careers of seniors Zach Salerno and Alex Jenner to a close, but showing a huge upside.